# The Noble House of Brattleby: Official Recognition of the 12th Baroness by Her Majesty’s Government
**LONDON, 9 September 2022** — The Noble House of Brattleby formally announces the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following official notice in *The London Gazette*, re-establishing one of England’s most ancient baronies for the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
In an act of profound historical significance, the Barony of Brattleby, a title with origins in the Norman Conquest, has been formally recognised in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This affirmation was made public through a notice placed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665.
The publication of this notice, with the reference ID 4158083, represents the culmination of extensive historical and genealogical verification. It is the modern-day equivalent of a royal writ, a declarative act that confirms the barony's unbroken lineage and its re-establishment in the contemporary era. This formal recognition stands as the moment the title, with its deep roots in the soil of Lincolnshire, was authoritatively brought forth into the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a powerful Norman magnate. His vast holdings, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were meticulously documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, providing an immutable record of the barony’s foundation.
Throughout the subsequent nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed to Plantagenet hands, with holders including the celebrated knight Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This revival connects Lady Nicoleta directly to this remarkable and storied past.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony now rests with the leaders of The Noble House of Brattleby. On first reference, these are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby** * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby** by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, heir to the title and the 13th Baron in succession
With its formal recognition, the Barony of Brattleby rejoins the distinguished company of the ancient hereditary peerages and feudal baronies of Great Britain. The House's Continental connections, which include the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, further position it to foster cultural and diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While ancient baronies were once conferred through acts of investiture and homage rendered directly to the monarch, the modern protocol is one of rigorous, documented verification. The process which culminated in the Gazette notice required the presentation of exhaustive genealogical and documentary evidence to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating an unbroken chain of succession.
The publication of the notice is the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for the formal use of the revived title. Following this recognition, all courtesies and protocols pertaining to an ancient barony of England are properly accorded to Lady Nicoleta and her family. At future formal occasions, such as the House's Annual Winter Banquet, ceremonial elements will reflect the reaffirmed dignity and precedence of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values guiding The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldic mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin pillars of its ethos. 'Fortitude' echoes the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the chivalric code of knights like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This historical sense of purpose is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This maxim encapsulates the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the House, signifying a commitment not merely to exist, but to succeed and make a tangible, positive impact in the modern world. Together, the mottos symbolise a bridge between noble tradition and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself, but rather the foundation for a renewed commitment to public service and philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its primary charitable efforts to supporting the welfare of vulnerable children, a cause that transcends borders and titles.
The principal beneficiary of the House's work is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity provides vital therapeutic intervention and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s support, principally through its annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, enables the charity to expand its reach and provide specialist care, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to heal and build resilient futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is not a claim to privilege, but an acceptance of profound duty. We are merely custodians, entrusted to carry forward nearly a millennium of history with fortitude and honour for a new generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > Our heritage provides the foundation, but our vision is fixed firmly on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to prevail is to live—and for us, that means creating a positive, tangible impact through our philanthropic work and educational initiatives.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s status formally re-established, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of active service. The Annual Winter Banquet will continue to serve as the centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar, gathering support for a cause of critical importance. Furthermore, the House will continue to develop its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster an appreciation for classical European traditions and social graces.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to the careful stewardship of their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and to deepening the House’s engagement with the local community. The recognition of 2022 was a vital link to the past, but the House's focus remains resolutely on building a meaningful and enduring legacy for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding the modern responsibilities of a historic noble title. Its mission is centred on the principle of *noblesse oblige*, with a philanthropic focus on improving the welfare of vulnerable children through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its ancient heritage with a tangible, positive impact on contemporary society, serving as a bridge between tradition and progress.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony originating in the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. It was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title was held by prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. After a period in abeyance, the barony's succession was formally recognised in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror circa AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Prominent medieval holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com